This article teaches you how to record video using a webcam on a Windows or Mac computer. To do this, you will use two apps built into their respective operating systems: Camera for Windows and QuickTime for Mac.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: On Windows
Step 1. Make sure the webcam is connected to the computer
If your PC does not have a built-in webcam, you will need to connect one to one of the system's USB ports.
Before proceeding, install the webcam if necessary
Step 2. Open Start
Click on the Windows logo in the lower left corner of the screen.
Step 3. Write room
This will search your computer for the Camera app, the Windows 10 default for managing webcams.
Step 4. Click on Camera
The icon of this app looks like a camera and you will find it at the top of the Start window. Press it and the program will open.
Step 5. Switch to record mode
Click on the camera icon, which you will see on the right side of the Camera window, just above the camera icon.
If this is your first time setting up your webcam, Windows may ask you to allow access to that device
Step 6. Click on the "Register" button
It is a circular button in the shape of a camera and is located on the right side of the window.
Step 7. Record your video
The webcam will record the images it is framing.
Step 8. Click on "Stop"
You will see this round button with a red square inside on the right side of the window.
The video will automatically be saved in your Computer's Photos app
Method 2 of 2: On Mac
Step 1. Open Spotlight
Click on the magnifying glass icon in the upper right corner of the screen. A search bar will appear.
Step 2. Write quicktime
This will search your computer for the QuickTime application.
Step 3. Double click on QuickTime Player
It should be the first result in the Spotlight window. Press it and the program window will open.
Step 4. Click on File
You will see this item in the upper left of your Mac screen. Press it and a menu will appear.
Step 5. Click on Record New Movie
It is among the first items on the menu File. Press it and QuickTime Player will go into record mode.
Step 6. Click on the "Register" button
This red, circular button is located at the bottom of the QuickTime window. Press it and the program will start recording the images framed by the webcam.
Step 7. Record your videos
The webcam will record everything it is framing.
Step 8. Stop recording
Click the "Record" button again to stop the video.
Step 9. Save the recording
Click again on File, click on Save to open the save window, enter a name in the "Export as" field, then click on Save at the bottom of the window.
In this window you can also change the file extension from MOV to MP4, just click on the "mov" section at the end of the file name and replace it with mp4
Advice
- Check the lighting. Place a lamp on top of the desk and cover it with a sheet of paper. You can also light the room indirectly, by orienting the lamp against a wall in order to have a more subdued light and get good quality for your videos.
- Eliminate all background noise, such as radio and television, because the webcam microphone would capture and amplify them.
- Clothes with colorful patterns or stripes can distract attention from your face when recording. Red is the hardest color for video cameras to reproduce, while blue is the simplest. If you are dressed in white, your skin will look darker and the opposite will happen if you dress in black.
- If you don't think about your safety, people can use your webcam without your knowledge. When you're done recording, turn off the webcam and, if you don't want to take any chances, cover the lens with tape. Make sure the tape doesn't leave any residue on your computer.
